Europe was leaving behind the past to enter into the Century of Lights, the 18^th century, defined by new political ideas and economies as well as scientific advances as reason was taking over from faith. The Spanish Empire had lost its dominance over Europe and a new dynasty from France governed Spain after a civil war as the king had died without an heir. The trade with the Americas was in decline and had moved from Seville to Cadiz. For Seville, this century was the transition into what would be its place in the future, a more discreet position in the map of Europe.

A new way of thinking

The economy evolved from being commercial to industrial. Consequently, so as not to be left behind, the famous Tobacco Factory was established, one of the great buildings that this period gave us. The building is an example of the nostalgia Seville had for its golden past, when it was rich and open to the world, it was inspired by nothing less than the Auction House, with its pure Renaissance style. And it was during this time that the auction building started its new function, the current Archive of the Americas. With the search of a true and accurate history of the history with America to combat the now established Black Legend, all of the documents related to the New World were brought here from everywhere in the country to concentrate them in one place, with the end to add to the historical knowledge and write a true history. 

A look at Enlightened Europe

But it’s not the only enlightened labour that was made in the city.  Its assistant -a type of Mayor- Pablo de Olavide improved and modernised the city in the European style. Likewise, he intended to put an end to the political corruption of the previous century, he made a grand urban plan in which they cleaned up the streets, they hung signs up in them, improved the area of the Lagoon -the current Alameda- and they improved the markets. All of this had a lot to do with the earthquake of 1755, which destroyed large spaces and they needed a thorough restauration.

Always imitating Europe, they set up literary gatherings and concerts however, meanwhile Seville kept looking back sadly at its past, the future arrived bit by bit, in the form of industrialisation and mass production, it was also the beginning of the forgetfulness to the history of the city .

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Image source: Flickr. Sandra Vallaure